The 2023/24 National Pony Racing Series Small Pony winner, Mia Cornish.
With the 2024/25 National Pony Racing Series in full swing, riders are relishing the opportunity to hone their skills on the track. However, it’s not about satisfying a need for speed: the series places emphasis on a harmonious partnership between jockey and steed, while also showcasing the equine career opportunities available to young horse lovers.
The 2024/25 National Pony Racing Series South Australia State Qualifier at Murray Bridge Racecourse. Image by The Rising Sun Photography.
Following a very successful inaugural 2023/24 season, the National Pony Racing Series has returned this year and is currently part-way through action-packed qualifiers run across six states. Qualifiers in South Australia, New South Wales, Tasmania and Victoria have already been run and won, while Western Australia and Queensland are still to come.
State qualifying races are for members aged between 9 and 15 years old with the height of ponies capped at 14hh, and combinations are divided into two categories: young riders on smaller ponies, and older riders on larger ponies. The first and second placegetters in the two categories from each state go to the finals, which are set to be held on the Gold Coast in June.
Run by Thoroughbred Industry Careers (TIC) in conjunction with Pony Club Australia (PCA), the 2024/25 National Pony Racing Series has seen an expansion of the popular ‘come and try’ training days known as ‘Jumpstart Weekends’.
GETTING A JUMP START
‘Jumpstart Weekends’ have been designed to engage and inspire the next generation of equestrian talent. Open to all Pony Club members, regardless of age or the size of their pony or horse, the Jumpstart Weekends help riders develop essential race-ready skills while providing an accessible entry point into pony racing. These events are perfect for riders who are new to the sport or those looking to sharpen their abilities with the support of experienced coaches.
Over two action-packed days, participants build important skills such as balance, control, and riding techniques, with a big focus on being able to ride to an optimum time – a fantastic transferrable skill for any rider.
The first day takes place at local Pony Club grounds and focuses on horse health and riding basics, while day two gives riders the chance to put their skills to the test in a fun gymkhana-style event at a local racetrack. Those who meet the selection criteria will advance to further training, which could lead to a spot in the state qualifying races.
PCA Coach Michelle Newham teaching a young rider about two-point position at a Jumpstart Weekend.
Pony Club Australia CEO Matt Helmers says the Jumpstart Weekends are an essential pillar to the popular series, by allowing riders to further develop in a fun, supportive atmosphere: “Pony Racing has been a long-standing sport in Ireland, the UK, and France, and its introduction to Australia has provided fantastic opportunities for our members. Not only does it develop a unique set of skills – including balance, teamwork, strategy, and confidence – many of these are highly transferable across a wide range of equestrian disciplines.
“What’s more, many of our members aspire to work in the equine industry. Gaining an understanding of the diverse career pathways available – from hands-on and riding roles, to race day operations, sales, equine health and care, hospitality and entertainment, administration, and media, marketing and communications – gives them valuable insights that will set them up for future success.
“Pony Club members are grounded in horsemanship, horse knowledge, rider and horse safety, behaviour, and welfare. We know they will be an asset to any equine organisation, business, or sector they go on to work in, and will help shape the future of the industry.”
South Australia State Qualifier Small Pony winners, Stacey Edwards and Napoleon from Millicent Pony Club. Image by The Rising Sun Photography.
READY, SET, GO!
Lindy Maurice, Chief Executive & Founder of Thoroughbred Industry Careers, is thrilled with how the 2024/25 season is taking shape. She explains that riders don’t need to be at any certain level to take part and most are not from racing backgrounds.
“Every now and then one of the kids will have a racing connection, but the majority have no connection to racing. It’s all brand new to them,” explains Lindy, adding that selections are made on the safest combinations rather than speed.
“We select on the rider and pony that are a really good combo…. a lot of the time the ponies will eliminate themselves because they won’t go straight or will just be a bit naughty, as ponies tend to do! The riders need to be in two-point position in a lovely, collected manner and be very well balanced. We’re looking for experienced riders and well-controlled ponies,” she explains.
South Australia State Qualifier Large Pony winners, Maddison Wissell and Jasper from Kadina Pony and Equestrian Club. Image by The Rising Sun Photography.
Combinations already qualified via their state races include:
South Australia
Small Pony Category
1st Stacey Edwards and Napoleon
2nd Tahnee Dodgson and Rosie
Large Pony Category
1st Maddison Wissell and Jasper
2nd Ellie Digney and Phoenix
Tasmanian State Qualifier Small Pony winners, Isabella Swain and Jenny from West Tamar Pony Club.
New South Wales
Small Pony Category
1st Olivia Hanby and Pippa
2nd Harper Austin and Dreamy
Large Pony Category
1st Mia Kehoe and Mav
2nd Montanna Griffith and Gidget
Tasmania
Small Pony Category
1st Isabella Swain and Jenny
2nd Annie Wilson and Pie
Large Pony Category
1st Charlie-Anne Bennett and Tommy
2nd Maci Brownrigg and Valor Princess Sparky
Tasmanian State Qualifier Large Pony winners, Charlie-Anne Bennett and Tommy from Deloraine District Pony Club.
Victoria
Small Pony Category
1st Jack Cumming and Poppy
2nd Leilani Anderson and Cosmo
Large Pony Category
1st Lillianna Meyervale and Honey
2nd Penelope Mawhinney and Bo Peep
The Small Pony Final at the Victorian State Qualifier, held at Moonee Valley. Jack Cumming and Poppy from Kyneton Pony Club (first), Leilani Anderson and Cosmo from Stratford Pony Club (second), and Miley Davies and Prince from Ballarat Pony Club (third).
At state qualifying events, riders have been wearing sponsored racing colours, backed by renowned racing stables and industry leaders – creating a unique connection between grassroots Pony Clubriders and the professional racing world. Some of the biggest names in Australian racing have been involved, including Arrowfield Stud, Chris Waller Racing, Ciaron Maher Racing, Frank and Christine Cook, Godolphin, Hermitage Thoroughbreds, Inglis, Lizzie Jelfs Racing Club, Race with Lizzie, Magic Millions, Peachester Lodge, Pinecliff Racing, Ranvet, Ridgemont Farm, Seymour Bloodstock, Swettenham Stud, Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, Woppitt Bloodstock and Yulong Stud.
“I LOVE PONY RACING!”
Ten-year-old Georgina Sharp of Kensington in NSW has been involved in both the inaugural and current Pony Racing seasons. “My mum raced in a Pony Club-organised pony race at Rosehill in 1988, so when we heard that PCA and TIC were running pony races I was really keen to do it,” she says.
Georgina Sharp of Kensington in NSW and her pony Dipper have enjoyed taking part in the National Pony Racing Series. Second image by Lisa Gordon Photography.
“I love pony racing because I’ve made new friends and got to experience all kinds of things I would never otherwise have tried. Last year I didn’t get to race, but Lindy organised with Inglis for me to interview the kids who were racing. I even got to interview Gai Waterhouse, which was amazing. When I got to race this year [at the opening NSW qualifier in Newcastle, October 2024], it was so good. I loved that we got to gallop down the straight of a real racecourse!”
Georgina says her pony, Dipper, is a show pony rather than a racing machine – but that didn’t dampen the fun. “He’s not very fast but he tried his heart out for me and ran as fast as his little legs would carry him! I love that I can do a bit of everything with him: Pony Club, showing, dressage and jumping. I also enjoy taking him on trail rides. He’s such a character, he thinks he should always be the centre of attention for everything, so he really enjoyed strutting around the mounting yard with everyone watching. I think he enjoyed it just as much as I did!”
Rhys McEvoy of Mangrove Mountain in NSW was third on his pony Jimmy at the Newcastle qualifier – and they had just as much fun as Georgina and Dipper!
“I just love riding in the pony races, it’s such a big thrill to ride on a big racetrack. All the other kids are so nice and we all love riding our ponies together. My pony Jimmy is a great show jumper, so he is quick on his feet!” says Rhys.
Rhys McEvoy of Mangrove Mountain in NSW was third on his pony Jimmy at the NSW State Qualifier in Newcastle.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The series not only tests riding skills, balance, and fitness but also introduces young riders to potential career pathways in the Thoroughbred industry.
Pony Racing Australia Ambassador for her second season, Lizzie Jelfs says that racing has given her so much, from looking after racehorses’ hands-on, to her current role in broadcast media.
“I’m not sure how my life would have looked without this industry. I’m not from a racing background, I was just lucky enough to fall into it, so I believe creating pathways for young people is so important. The National Pony Racing Series is building a whole new community that is being educated on the opportunities available to them,” she says.
Lindy Maurice explains that TIC is focused on educating young horse lovers around the equine career opportunities that are available to them. The National Pony Racing Series is not only about building skill and having fun – but also helping to bring this information to a wider audience.
“I’m not sure how my life
would have looked without
this industry…”
Chief Executive & Founder of Thoroughbred Industry Careers, Lindy Maurice (left).
“It’s really why we started Thoroughbred Industry Careers; it was out of frustration that there wasn’t a lot of information for horse riders about careers you can have with horses and the scope of those careers,” says Lindy.
“Quite a few of our Thoroughbred Industry Careers graduates have already started working in racing part time. This is certainly not a jockey programme; this is a broader educational programme. We want riders to see the whole national and global industries and the opportunities that present themselves to work with horses, whether it’s on the veterinary side, the stud side, the bloodstock side, or the auction side. There are so many elements to racing… for example, one little girl definitely wants to be a racing journalist. Our whole purpose is to open their minds to those opportunities and then time will tell whether they take them up.”
Lindy believes there are several career paths currently in demand – and while she’s passionate about helping young riders find their dream careers, the horses also benefit.
“The industry needs hands-on roles and in terms of best practice, you really want very passionate horse people working with horses first and foremost. There is always a huge demand for hands-on roles, and I think where there’s a shortage is on the equine specialist vet side. There’s also a huge skill shortage of top trackwork riders in Australia. A lot of the riders come from Europe because we just haven’t got enough highly skilled track riders here.”
Lindy also believes marketing experts with industry knowledge are important. “Having people that really know horses that go into that business and marketing area… there will always be a demand and they’re very highly respected because whether you’re marketing the races, racing stables, stud farms or a stallion, you need to know horses well.”
The Victorian State Qualifier at Moonee Valley. Back L-R: Jockey Beau Mertens, Ruby Davis (Benalla Pony Club), River Rothery (Colac Pony Club, Mia-Rose Cornish (Rochester Pony Club), Emma Osman-Shroen (Lancefield & District Pony Club), jockey Dean Yendell, jockey Craig Newitt, Lillianna Meyervale (Benalla Pony Club), and Harriet Le Grand (Ballarat Pony Club). Front L-R: Penelope Mawhinney (Bullengarook Pony Club), Aylissia Entwistle (Bacchus Marsh Pony Club), and Miranda Byrne (Riddells Creek Pony Club).
RACING TO THE FINAL
Next to the start line for the 2024/25 National Pony Racing Series are riders from Western Australia and Queensland.
Western Australia
Saturday 12th April 2025 – Jumpstart Day 1: Serpentine Horse & Pony Club
Sunday 13th April 2025 – Jumpstart Day 2: Lark Hill Thoroughbred Training Complex, Port Kennedy
Thursday 17th April 2025 – Training Day: Ascot Racecourse, Perth
Friday 18th April 2025 – State Qualifying Raceday: Ascot Racecourse, Perth
Queensland
Saturday 10th May 2025 – Jumpstart Day 1: Southport Pony Club
Sunday 11th May 2025 – Jumpstart Day 2: Gold Coast Turf Club
Thursday 22nd May 2025 – Training Day: Gold Coast Turf Club
Friday Night 23rd May 2025 – State Qualifying Raceday: Gold Coast Turf Club
THE FINALS: GOLD COAST, QLD (JUNE 2025)
Lindy is hopeful that the popular series will gallop on into 2026, but like most equestrian events it does require sponsor support. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities for the 2025/26 season can reach Lindy via lindy@tbindustrycareers.com.au.
Find out more about the National Pony Racing Series via Pony Club Australia here. EQ
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